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Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 5:42 pm
by Sambo42
Hi all

I started to clean up the windshield for Sofia yesterday and found rust in the top corners that I don't like the look of. I think I'll have to tackle it - I'm assuming this means a significant repair and then re-chroming. Any advice? The photo below is just the tip of the iceberg....

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Most of the frame looks good. Spider-point have a new frame.... for 1200 euros. Not considering that option for fairly obvious reasons....
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Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:28 pm
by azruss
The windshield frame is indeed chromed. If you want that back original, it means repairing the rust, grinding and sanding down to paint quality finish then rechromed. A lot of work just to get to the chrome stage. Other option is to have it painted or powdercoated. Dont know if that would be any cheaper.

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 12:43 am
by vandor
Maybe getting another windshield frame would be easier.

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:11 am
by Sambo42
It's worse than I thought after taking out the glass....

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The rust is 3 dimensional...the chrome is the only thing holding the frame in its original shape. I'm going to try a possible source of second hand frames tomorrow, but not that optimistic. Other option is to rebuild - the steel looks like it's 3mm thick and if I tackle the replacement in small pieces I might be able to keep the shape right. I'm not that fazed by the rechroming, the bigger problem is likely to be whether my skills are up to preserving everything in its right orientation. I have a friend I might be able to lean on with some better metalworking skills than mine. I have to admit I wouldn't mind giving it a go....

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:21 pm
by vandor
Where are you located? In the US it should be easy to find a good WS frame.

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:46 pm
by fiat218
I got one just sitting getting ruined

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:53 pm
by narfire
vandor wrote:Maybe getting another windshield frame would be easier.
No kidding.
Looks like quite a number of cars being parted out....

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:28 am
by Sambo42
fiat218 wrote:I got one just sitting getting ruined
I would love to have it - if there's any way it could be posted to australia....!

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 7:12 am
by fiat218
Let me see if I can get a windshield box from some place or make something. I will get u a photo today

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 11:41 pm
by vandor
It won't fit within the size parameters of the Post Office, max size to AU is 79" in girth.
You'd have to ship it UPS/Fedex/DHL or somesuch.
We get a discount from Fedex, but it'd still be expensive.

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 1:46 am
by azruss
have the seller take some measurements. I have certain frames that only fit certain gaskets. theyre not all the same.
(click on pix and open in a new tab to see the whole thing)


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Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 7:18 am
by fiat218
I don't have one, I thought I did,but I threw them

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 10:33 am
by Fi8spider
That looks well and truly screwed! Sambo, where abouts are you ?

Should be able to track something down on this big old island. I'm sure a couple were wrecked in Melb over the past couple years, I can get the word out, I also have a feeling that somebody in Bris has access to a body with possibly a frame still on it.

Anyway, PM sent with my contact details if you need a hand tracking one down.

Cheers
CC

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 11:20 pm
by Sambo42
Thanks Fi8spider - will call. Sam and Charlie have one for $400 (needs plating) but I haven't checked which year and will need to take my micrometer to check that the gasket will fit OK.

Re: Advice on windshield frame repairs?

Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 12:52 am
by Curly
I might be able to help :roll:
PM sent.